Soul Of Spain and Berry set sights on Sydney Cup via Tancred
Tommy Berry hasn't hidden his keenness to steer the developing stayer Soul Of Spain through to the Sydney Cup, securing the mount initially and vowing to stay aboard for his entire autumn preparation.
It's proving a astute move so far, as the gelding under Chris Waller's guidance is co-favourite for the upcoming two-mile spectacle next month, while holding genuine prospects in this weekend's weight-for-age Tancred Stakes (2400m) at Rosehill.
The one-time Irish import stamped his authority last spring with a pair of encouraging triumphs up north in Queensland, capped by success in the Newcastle Cup (2300m) and a fine second placing in the Metropolitan (2400m).
In his two most recent appearances, he has flashed potential by storming home strongly, crossing the line sixth to elite performer Autumn Glow in the Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) second-up during February, before going down only to Vauban in the Sky High Stakes (2000m) on March 14.
The jockey has been impressed by these runs and believes despite suboptimal weights in the Tancred Stakes, the extra journey will play to Soul Of Spain's strengths.
"Obviously, the step up to 2400 metres is going to suit on the way to a Sydney Cup . . . although, he's got to meet some pretty handy horses at around the same weight," Berry said.
"Last 'prep' he was doing things on raw ability when he was coming through the grades, but he is a lot more seasoned.
"Chris Waller got to travel him a little bit last preparation, up in Queensland and back to Sydney, and usually that's very good for stayers. He has come back a more professional racehorse, and he's got a really good turn of speed."
Berry regards victory in the Tancred Stakes as a welcome addition, but regards the Rosehill weight-for-age event as prime lead-up for the gelding's Sydney Cup aspirations, with the five-year-old easing to 53.5kg from Saturday's 59kg impost in the handicap.
"He's ready to take the next step and Chris always uses a method getting to his grand finals, and the race on Saturday is one he's used previously to get his better horses to a Sydney Cup," he said.
Visit the online bookmakers to find racing betting markets for the Sydney Cup.
More Racing News
Elite yearlings headline Inglis Easter auction in Sydney
The globe's top yearlings are set to be sold in Sydney this Sunday and Monday during Inglis' celebrated Easter Yearling Sale.Juveniles bred from Group 1 winners Sunlight, Shoals, Montefilia and Melody Belle, who claimed 14 Group 1s, are included in the 472 entries, as well as family members of standouts...
Mark Twain seeking extra wins at Flemington track
Two years ago, Mark Twain's owners were thrilled to earn a ballot pass into the Melbourne Cup.Half a year after his victory in the Roy Higgins (2600m) at Flemington, hopes crumbled due to a tendon injury sustained by Mark Twain in the lead-up to the 2024 spring.Now, on Saturday, Mark...
Morphettville chosen over Flemington for Almost An Angel
Robbie Griffiths and associates have settled on a Stakes contest in Adelaide to earn crucial 'Black Type' for Almost An Angel after deliberation.This two-year-old has pulled out of the Group 3 Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes (1200m) at Flemington to contest the Listed Dequetteville Stakes (1050m) at Morphettville on Saturday.A victor on...
Local star poses biggest threat to Caviar Heights at Rosehill
William Haggas' helper Isabella Paul, who shipped Caviar Heights from afar, is stunned that the horse's primary challenge at Rosehill comes from a high-caliber Australian competitor.This five-year-old arrived in Australia with veteran journeyer Dubai Honour from the same stable and will take his place in the Neville Sellwood Stakes (2000m)...
Legacy Bound aiming to build legacy in VRC Sprint Classic
Robbie Griffiths, the trainer, recognizes Legacy Bound's ability to get the job done in races.From gate seven, Legacy Bound will contest the Listed VRC Sprint Classic (1100m) at Flemington on Saturday, with hopes of boosting his Flemington form and notching up win five.The Ole Kirk three-year-old has four prior starts...
Gin Twist set for another Flemington straight test
Lindsay Park's Ben, Will and J D Hayes operation was disheartened after both their fillies missed out on the Golden Slipper field at Rosehill.Gin Twist and Medicinal sat as emergencies two and three for Australia's premier two-year-old showdown.Ben Hayes was gutted that the duo didn't make it, especially with no...
Smith's Rosehill stakes team fronted by Idle Flyer
Having navigated a rough initiation to her current preparation, Idle Flyer is now aligned for her elite level ambition, positioning this Saturday's Emancipation Stakes at Rosehill as a vital milestone en route.A lingering virus postponed the mare's initial appearance, compelling trainer Matthew Smith to launch her over a non-ideal 1200m...
Glen Thompson eyes Cup path with Whisky On The Hill
Glen Thompson has appreciated the Melbourne downpours and potential for more, as he pursues a Melbourne Cup position via Whisky On The Hill.Saturday's Listed Roy Higgins (2600m) at Flemington provides a direct entry pass to the Melbourne Cup (3200m) at the same track in November for any winner.Among 13 starters,...
Basilinna drawn to Australian Cup by incoming rain forecast
Prospective showers set to arrive at Flemington prior to the Australian Cup event are delightful tidings for trainers Emma-Lee and David Browne.Up to 20mm of rain is expected Thursday, followed by up to 9mm Friday and 1mm to 6mm Saturday.The Browns were swayed by that prediction to commit Basilinna to...
Doncaster Prelude opens Sepals' path to Sydney autumn targets
Assistance provided in spring may yield returns this autumn when Tommy Berry partners Cliff Brown's Sepals in the Doncaster Prelude held at Rosehill.The gelding has one prior Sydney appearance, where he was narrowly beaten by Autumn Glow in the Golden Eagle (1500m) on November 1 under Ethan Brown.With prior engagements...